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Friday, December 31, 2010

Well, another year has come and gone! I look back and think about how different my life was a year ago, but I'm not disappointed. There have been ups and downs but overall it was a good year. Some of my best memories from 2010 were turning 18, graduating high school, going to my hometown (Phoenix, AZ) over spring break and starting college. It's been a pretty exciting year--here's hoping 2011 is even better.Happy New Year, everyone! Hope your 2010 has been blessed and your 2011 is brighter than ever.

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Hi everyone! Hope your second-to-last day of 2010 is going well. I'm still very excited ater my shopping spree yesterday--I can't wait to wear all my new purchases, as well as the gifts I got for Christmas.

As promised, here are the pictures of my new clothes. Sorry that I'm not actually wearing them, I've been very busy today and with all the snow that's been falling for a few hours, I'm feeling like today's a lazy stay-inside day. I was out all morning running errands and now I'm just relaxing inside and watching the snow fall. It's the first real snow that the Front Range (of Colorado) has gotten all season, so it's pretty big!

My shopping bags

Bearpaw Eva boots in grey mist (Christmas)

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Close up of boots

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Hollister cardigan & Abercrombie tank (shopping)

A&F Benni cardigan (shopping)

A&F Julia pajama pants (shopping)

Close up of pjs

AE cardigan (last year) and AE ribbon tank (shopping)

Close up of tank

A&F Abigail Cardigan in light pink (Christmas)

AE Slouchy Jeans (shopping)

I also got a pair of metallic tights and a necklace from AE for Christmas but didn't post the pics because it was taking a long time anyway.Have a very happy New Year's Eve and good luck with any post-Christmas shopping!

Yesterday was the big shopping day and I can definitely say that I spent the most I ever have in one day! Not to mention my arms hurt from carrying 5 bags but it was a great day.My parents, sister and I went to Park Meadows in Denver and boy was it crowded! I thought by December 29th the after-Christmas crowds would have died down a little but it was crazier than ever.We hit up Hollister first--was that a mistake or what! The store isn't very big and it was packed to the gills with teenage girls, guys and some moms all trying to spend their gift cards. I got shoved a few times and had to do a little gentle nudging myself. Everything in the store was 40% off, which probably explained the crowds. I didn't even consider buying anything I had to try on since the line for the dressing rooms was a mile long! I did manage to find one of the things I had planned on buying, the Royal Palms Beach sweater ($29.70) in burgundy. I don't really have anything this color and I liked its easy fit. Next, it was on to American Eagle. My sister and I both got a $50 gift card to AE, plus $10 off any purchase of $35 or more so we had to check them out. At first I didn't really see anything that caught my eye, but then I saw some jeans towards the front that I kinda liked. They're the new Slouchy fit, which is totally my style. I prefer looser-fitting jeans over skinnies and these looked too cute to pass up. I wish I had found them in the authentic dark destroyed wash but the pair I got are more polished. I still had some money to spend on my gift card, so I checked out the clearance rack. That store was pretty busy, too, so it was hard to find anything cute in my size on the rack. But I happened to find a purple and navy polka-dotted cami that looked pretty cute and in my size. The XS part of the rack was pretty limited so I was lucky to find it. It'll look great under a navy cardigan. My sister liked it so much that she got it, too, in a size small. After all my purchases, plus the $10 off, I ended up with $10 left on my gift card!My parents went to Eddie Bauer to spend their gift cards and after my mom bought her stuff, we went to Abercrombie & Fitch. I hadn't spent very much money so far, and since we rarely get to go to A&F, I was determined to find a lot of stuff. They were also offering 40% off the entire store which is a steal, considering A&F's usual prices. I was looking for the Kali sleep shorts ($19.60) in navy and I saw them a few times on the mannequins, but none were wearing XS. I bought the Julia pj pants ($24) in navy moose instead and I actually like them even more. Not content to just buy one thing, I also got the Benni sweater ($40.80) in heather grey. I couldn't pass this up because 1) I don't have very much grey in my closet, 2) I love sweaters with an easy open fit and 3) It was much cheaper than its original price of $68. I ended up spending a little under $70 at A&F.But I wasn't done shopping quite yet. I needed a tank top of some sort to go under both sweaters I had bought. I wanted something pink and with some detailing since the sweaters I got aren't decorated. I hadn't found the perfect thing until we went to Abercrombie Kids next door. I'm lucky enough that I can fit in both juniors and some kids sizes so I can save money sometimes. I really liked the ruffly pink tank I saw at A&F, but it was almost $30. I saw a similar version at Abercrombie (Evette tank, $17.15, in dark pink) so I bought it in a size XL. Surprisingly, it only ended up costing me about $15, which I was very thankful for.We ventured on to Bath & Body Works next so I could buy some lip gloss. If you haven't been there recently, a lot of their merch is on sale right now because they're trying to bring in all their spring stuff so stock up while you can. I ended up buying a Summer Vanillas lemon lip gloss for only 3 bucks!I was super-tired after a long day of shopping but it was totally worth it to get all the great stuff I did, not to mention for a great price! Even braving the crowds was worth it. I'll post some pics of my new stuff very soon!Did you do any after-Christmas shopping yet? How did it go?

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

I've been inspired by some of the blogs I follow and I've decided to start doing a photo inspiration of the day. I'll take a picture of something I encounter during the day and tie it into some outfits I've been looking at.

Today's PIOTD is some brightly-colored ornaments on the small Christmas tree I have in my bedroom. I know Christmas is over, but I like to keep my tree up til a week or so after New Year's because it just brightens up my whole day.

With the end of the year comes the arrival of spring wear. It probably won't be warm enough to wear most of these things for a few months, but it's still nice to shop ahead before all this stuff disappears.

All of this stuff is in stores now so you can look forward to any spring break plans while still enjoying those presents and leftovers!

Sunday, December 26, 2010

It's hard to believe Christmas is over already! With all the commercials and music on the radio and the huge sales, most of us can't wait til the day arrives and when it's over, it always seems like it went by too fast. Luckily, I had a very good Christmas yesterday. My parents, sister and I always spend the day with just the four of us and I like it that way. We don't rush to wake up and tear open the presents so we had a nice long breakfast and opened our stockings and then got dressed before we opened our gifts.I got quite a few great things, including a sweater from Abercrombie & Fitch, grey Bearpaw boots, sparkly blue tights and a nice necklace from American Eagle. I also got a gift card to AE for $50 and I'm looking forward to a day of shopping later this week. I'll post all the pics of my new stuff soon. But my best gift would have to be the iPod Touch 4th generation! I've wanted it since my sister bought the 3rd gen for herself over the summer but the 4th gen is even better since it has a camera and a FaceTime app, which is similar to Skype. My mom's planning on getting a Touch, too, so she can FaceTime me when I'm away at school.Hopefully I can take some good pictures with it and it'll be easy to use on the go, instead of having to take all my outfit shots at home. After the presents were opened, we watched part of the "A Christmas Story" 24-hour marathon on TBS (favorite Christmas movie ever!) and then my dad, sister and I took a walk around the neighborhood while my mom made dinner. It was quite chilly but there was no snow so it was a refreshing walk. After dinner, we played a ridiculously fun game called Quelf and then had a pretty quiet rest of the night. It was a really good day.Did you have a good Christmas? What made yours special? Did you give or get a really nice present? Tell me all about it!

Friday, December 24, 2010

Merry Christmas, everyone! I never thought I'd say this, but I think it's going to be a brown Christmas here in Colorado this year. The mountains have gotten loads of snow but those of us living along the Front Range have only seen an inch the entire season. I'm thankful that I woke up to a dusting of snow this morning even though it's practically melted by now. Hope you have a very wonderful Christmas day, with or without snow!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Whether you're still finishing up Christmas shopping (only 2 days left!) or doing a little shopping for yourself, you probably are looking for some great deals. Many stores are offering deep discounts to entice shoppers to buy more before it's too late so take advantage of these low prices while they last! If you're looking for inexpensive sweaters, you've come to the right place. Here are a few sweater options to keep in mind.

AMERICAN EAGLE: The store is putting a lot of their winter merchandise in clearance to make room for the spring collection (crazy, I know!) The AE Pocket Cardigan ($39.50) is a great option for someone who prefers to keep things simple. It comes in six colors, from bright Rosso to goes-with-everything Crow so you can stock up and still save. For the person on your list who likes a little more flair, why not try the AE Marled Sweater Jacket ($39.95)? It'll keep you cozy no matter how chilly it is and it's double-breasted silhouette is unique.

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH: Usually, their sweaters can be pretty pricey, but with 40% off everything in the entire store, you can score some good deals. If you're looking for a cute sweaterdress for yourself, the Bailey sweater ($47.60) has you covered with it's extra-long length and deep V-neck. Pair it with some tights and boots or flats. For a preppy look, get the Taylor sweater ($33.60)--it's bold stripes will really stand out.

GILLY HICKS: Almost all of their non-clearance sweaters are already under $50, so you have a lot to choose from. The Paradise Beach sweater ($39.50) is a classic pullover sweater, while the Blakehurst sweater ($49.50) features pretty sparkly bow embellishments.

HOLLISTER: They've got a huge selection of sweaters right now during their holiday clearance sale, so buy them cheap while you can! My favorites are the Abalone Cove cardigan ($31.15)--a very wintery sweater--and the Royal Palms Beach sweater ($34.65)--a great easy-fitting open cardigan. They've got tons of options, so treat yourself to one, too!

Are you asking for any sweaters for Christmas? Or are you planning on buying them after the holidays to save even more money?

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Have you ever bought a pair of shoes that you fell in love with, but when you get them home, you realize you don't have anything to wear with them? Sometimes, shoes can catch our eye and we almost forget to take into account practicality. But almost any pair can work with any wardrobe. Here are three different ways to wear a standout pair of shoes!

GIRLY--If you like anything pink, sparkly and delicate, you'll love this outfit. Start with a pair of sparkly flats (the AE Sequin Ballet Flat, $19.50, in pewter) and add on a pretty cardigan (Abercrombie's Abigail sweater, $33.60, in light pink), a floral miniskirt (A&F's Piper skirt, $50, in navy floral) and a pair of white tights (AE Pointelle Tights, $12.50, in cream). You'll look cute at school, out shopping or on a lunch date.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

I know I'm slightly crazy for going shopping just 5 days before Christmas, but that's exactly what I was doing yesterday with my sister. However, we already got all of our shopping done for friends and family so this was just a little shopping trip just for us.

My sis really wanted to go to Hollister since they had a pair of pants there she wanted. When we got there, we found out that everything in the store was 30% off--what a deal! I wasn't planning on buying anything from there, but I looked around just in case. Nothing really grabbed me, but when my sister headed for the pants she liked (the Fallbrook twill pants, $27.65), I decided to check them out, too. I kinda liked them in stone, so I took them to the dressing room in size 0 short (the smallest size HCo. carries). They actually fit pretty well, snug but not too tight, just the right length and I liked the color. I took pics in the dressing room to show how they fit--sorry about the bad lighting! If you've ever been in a Hollister store, you'll know that they're very dark.

So I decided to buy them. But then we went to American Eagle next...and it completely changed my mind! I finally found the flats I've been looking for forever--the AE Sequin Ballet Flat ($19.50, pewter). Since they were $10 off the original price, I couldn't resist buying them, especially since they were actually in a size 6! When I tried them on with tights, they fit perfectly. I also found a pearl and metal chain bracelet for $12.50 and a chain and jewel necklace for $6.95, and since they were having their buy one get one 50% off jewelry sale, I only paid about $30 for all three items! That's a great steal, considering that if I had bought them all full-price, it would have cost me over $61!

But I decided that I didn't really need the pants that much, even though they were 30% off. So I returned them but hopefully I'll be able to find them again at a lower price after Christmas.

Have you ever bought anything and then decided to immediately return it because you found something even better? I hope it doesn't happen to me again, because I'm still waiting for the money to be credited back to my card. Have a merry Christmas, everyone, and good luck with any last-minute shopping!

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Unlike the stereotypic college girl, I actually put a little effort into what I'm wearing. No, make that a lot of effort! But to me, it's totally worth it. Yes, I have to endure the stares of sweats-and-Ugg-clad girls but I like showing off my sense of style to the world...or at least to my campus. So here's my list of a few 'essentials' I've found to be necessary for me in my college journey so far:

Tights--Oh, yeah, these are one of my favorite wardrobe staples, especially since I'm someone who doesn't like to say goodbye to my skirts when the snow starts to fall. With so many colors, textures and styles to choose from, you can stock up (without forking over a lot of cash) and get a lot of looks! Currently, I have a pair of brown striped ankle leggings (thicker than tights), light grey sweater tights, dark brown tights and white pointelle tights. I've found these colors to be most versatile, but I wouldn't complain if I had a few more pairs ;)

A great bag. I have 5 of them, almost all designer, but that doesn't mean you can't get a good-quality purse that's inexpensive! Make sure yours has plenty of pockets for your cell phone and other essentials, plus enough room for a wallet, sunglasses, makeup and anything else you might stash in there.

Jackets. Before last year, I only really had one cute one--a brown bomber coat from American Eagle. I love that coat, especially the faux-fur-lined hood. But then around last Christmas, my mom bought me a raspberry Thinsulate-lined wool jacket from Delias that I also really love. And boy was I surprised over Thanksgiving when my sister gave me her navy puffer coat from Aeropostale that she didn't want anymore! So now I've got three great jackets that work with almost any outfit. And in Colorado, you definitely need jackets when winter comes knocking!

Bracelets. Let's just say I have an obsession with jewelry, especially bracelets. I get all of mine from American Eagle, because they have the cutest stuff at great prices--usually buy one get one 50% off! And I don't settle for just one type of bracelet...I've got everything from bangles (my sister got me hooked!) to blingy leather ones. I just love to stack them up and make a statement.

Sunglasses. A great pair can transform you from an average girl to a movie star look-alike. If you live somewhere very sunny like I do they're a must just to keep your eyes safe, but they can still be very chic.

Jeans. Who can live without jeans? For the most versatility, try different styles of jeans, from skinnies to bootcuts to boyfriends. American Eagle and Abercrombie Kids have a great selection of jeans that are good quality at affordable prices--Abercrombie Kids is great for those of us who are more petite and can't find jeans that aren't too long in most stores, while AE will fit almost any body.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Christmas is only 10 days away! For you procrastinators out there, that means you only have 9 more shopping days left before the big day. If you still haven't checked off your gift lift, don't despair--there are still plenty of great ideas out there, plus you can still take advantage of shipping deals that will get your gifts delivered on time.

This year, if you've got a tight budget, you don't have to settle for less. Stock up on tons of accessories for that fashionista in your life, or maybe introduce your style-newbie friend to the joys of jewelry and handbags, all for low prices.

American Eagle is a great place to go to get quality jewelry at a fraction of typical prices. The AE Jet Statement Necklace ($22.50) is perfect for a girl with an edgy style, while the AE Friendship Bracelet ($12.50) is great for your little sister. If you've got some money left over, why not buy a little something for yourself, like the AE Rhinestone Stacked Rings ($15.50)--they'll go with anything, so it'll be a smart purchase. If you're looking for shoes, look no further than Zappos.com! They've got a huge selection of styles, colors, brands and sizes so you're sure to find the perfect pair for anyone. The Spring Stohrer flats in pewter ($20) look luxe, but are super-cheap. Score a deal on a standout pair of heels with the Unlisted Sewing Kit peep-toe pumps in fuschia ($39.20)--these will look great at any New Years party! Or stick with a casual daytime look--the Electric Cowboy booties in tan ($51.68) have a bit of an edge to make even the simplest outfit shine. Target is the place to go if you want to find cute purses at low prices. A great clutch that'll be perfect for parties or nights out when you don't want to lug around a huge bag is the Merona Ruched Satin Envelope Clutch in purple ($16.99)--the electric color will pop against a LBD. Shoulder bags are always classic, but if you want to mix it up, check out the Melie Bianco Mustard Flower Layers Shoulder Bag ($49.99)--the yellow color will go with more than you might think! If your friend prefers a cross-body, try the Bruges Studded Crossbody Handbag in stone ($19.98)--the color is neutral enough to go with anything but the stud detailing adds a little edge. Find the perfect gift for anyone...at prices you can afford!

Sunday, December 12, 2010

As a Colorado almost-native (I was born in Phoenix, AZ and lived there for almost 2 years), I have been to the capital city, Denver, many many times. My hometown of Colorado Springs is only 69 miles south of Colorado's biggest city so my family and I have made several day trips up there, whether it's to go to the airport (much, much better than the Colorado Springs airport!), some kind of attraction or the many malls (also much better). Despite what many people say, that only huge cities like NYC and LA have great fashion, Denver is also a mecca for upscale, runway-esque clothing.

One recent example of this was the Volunteers of America Holiday Fashion Show last Saturday. Unlike many fashion shows, it featured outfits that actually work for the season. Colorado can get kinda cold (and of course, snowy) in the winter so boots, skinny jeans and classy coats were the main highlights.

Also, cocktail dresses were showcased, just in time for many Christmas and New Years parties. Local boutique owners were on hand to describe the pieces they had chosen. The best part of this fashion show is that all the pieces were very down-to-earth and realistic for almost anyone. Of course, some trends emerged from the show. A great casual outfit for winter 2010 is some skinnies or cargoes paired with a sweater. You can dress it down with suede boots (this look works great if you have to do a lot of walking outside) or make it work for a night out with a great pair of heels.Don't think that VOA was only for the well-heeled--a cabana for eight cost $2500, while general admission tix went for only $40. So it really involved the whole fashion-obsessed community, as well as those who are curious about what fashion shows are really about. Hopefully, I can go sometime in the future!Here is my take on the current trend of skinnies/cargoes with a sweater. One way is casual, and the other more suited for nighttime.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

This will be my first Christmas as a college co-ed and I'm excited for finals week to be over (not to mention the stressful cramming weekend before) so I can go home and start celebrating the holidays. I've been so busy finishing up classes, filling out professor surveys and studying (of course!) that I haven't had much time to think about Christmas. And it's in two weeks! I'm sure it will be a relaxing month, though, which is probably the best gift a college student can ask for.Besides some time for R&R, here are a few gift ideas for the college student in your life.

Gift cards: You can't go wrong with a gift card (or money). Make sure you ask them beforehand where they like to shop so you'll know they'll actually use the card. Oh, and a gift card to a restaurants is always great, too--college students usually live pretty cheaply and a night out is always appreciated.

Practical (but cute) shoes: College campuses are usually pretty big and most people have to trek across it to get to classes, the library, etc. Invest in a nice pair of boots (preferably waterproof, or sprayed with waterproofer) that are stylish, too, such as Bearpaws. They look similar to Uggs, but are a fraction of the price and hold up just as well!

Underwear (and other essentials): Who doesn't procrastinate on laundry every once in a while? It's nice to have plenty of stuff to go around so you're not a slave to the washing machine every weekend. Gilly Hicks has a great selection, with all kinds of colors and styles so you can't go wrong.

A day at the spa: Back to the relaxation thing. Any stressed-out student could definitely use a massage or a mani/pedi to brighten up their day. Look for a day spa that's gotten good reviews but isn't too pricey.

Winter accessories: So not every student lives where it's snowy and cold, but if you know someone who does, chances are they could use a scarf, hat and gloves. Buy them a cute set that'll go with anything (or match it specifically to a certain coat, if you know what they have) and keep them warm on the way to class.

Of course, these are just a few ideas for the college student in your life (whether it's you, a friend or your child)...just make sure the gift comes from the heart and they'll love it!

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

I have never been a huge fan of watches--if I need to know the time, I'll just check my cell phone or a nearby clock. But I've come to realize that watches, while being practical, can also function as jewelry.

I prefer an analog watch to a digital one because I think analog ones look more polished. One of my favorites is AE's White Watch ($24.50). The sleek design will go with anything, and the color will pop against bright-colored shirts. If you do like digital watches better (I have to admit, they usually have cool extras that analogs don't have), try one that doesn't look like you borrowed it from your dad! The AE Pink Watch ($24.50) is a girly color and features silver detailing so you can look cute and know the time at the same--erm--time!For a watch that could be mistaken for a bracelet, check out the AE Butterfly Watch ($29.50). It's gold-plated metal, so it will hold up for a long time, and just has a classic look, along with a butterfly etching on the watch face.You better watch out--because a watch could be coming your way on Christmas day!

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Can you believe in exactly three weeks, it will be Christmas? And in four weeks, it will be a brand new year? Neither can I--this year's gone by pretty fast. It's hard for me to grasp that over six months ago, I graduated from high school and I started my freshman year of college nearly four months ago. I guess I can understand what my parents think when they say that just yesterday I was playing dress up and enjoying elementary school! Well, I can't deny it anymore--the calendar says December and it's definitely time to start getting ready for Christmas. I already have a mini tree on my desk, I've been listening to Christmas music on Pandora and enjoying the seasonal Starbucks drinks (peppermint mocha frappuccino, anyone?) Now it's time to start dressing for the occasion!

I put together two outfits--one to wear on Christmas Day, celebrating the holiday with family, opening presents and taking part in other traditions; and one to wear to a festive party or special event. First up, the party outfit. Instead of sticking with the usual dress or miniskirt, why not try a pair of polished shorts? The AE Sequin Party Shorts ($49.50, online only) are the perfect glammed-up shorts--they're black, which looks great with everything, and sequins are definitely appropriate for the season! Pair them with a simple open cardigan, such as Hollister's Solana Beach cardigan in red ($39.50), and a cute ruffly tank (Westward Beach, $24.50, pink). Don't forget the tights (in black) and a pair of stand-out shoes (try the Nine West Felma in dark red from Zappos.com, $62.27) and you'll be sure to turn heads at any party!For a simple but adorable outfit that'll look great in all the family photos you're sure to take on Christmas, try a wintery cardigan, like the AE Snowflake Toggle Sweater ($69.95). If you'd prefer to skip out on the red-and-green-overload that this season tends to bring, just buy the sweater in new bell navy--the snowflake pattern will still make it work. Layer a basic white cami underneath (AE Lacy Cami, $24.50, chalk), throw on a pair of light wash destroyed skinnies (AE Skinny Jean, $49.50, medium vintage destroy) and you're ready to exchange gifts!Of course, no outfit is complete without a few (or a lot of) accessories. The holidays are all about sparkle and shine, so make sure your extras reflect that. For a party, don't leave without a pretty clutch, such as Coach's Madison Leather Checkbook Wallet in silver ($238)--it has enough room to store your essentials, such as credit cards and ID, plus some breath mints for that kiss under the mistletoe! For the big day, don't skimp on the jewelry. Try something simple but blingy, such as the AE Love Script Necklace ($15.50) or the AE Sparkle Fringe Drops earrings ($15.50). Either will help you stand out and shine on this special day.